POCATELLO, Idaho- The Idaho State women's tennis team defeated Utah State in a six hour match Saturday afternoon in Logan, Utah.
"It was a barn burner today like it always is with Utah State," said Head Coach
Gretchen Maloney. "Every match was a battle and I am so proud of the girls for doing what it took to win. They stayed positive and fought so hard for every point."
Alexandra Arkhipov and Megan Lang-should started the day off with a 6-3 doubles win at the No. 3 spot.
Leah Kuruvilla and
Hana Cho got the second 6-3 win of the day to claim the doubles point and give the team and 1-0 advantage going into singles play.
"In doubles we are starting to figure out positioning and where we need to be to execute well," remarked Maloney. "We started off strong in doubles and used the momentum into singles play. The girls earned the win by playing smart and making adjustments when necessary."
Utah State rebounded after the doubles loss and came out winning the first two singles matches at No. 1 and No. 2.
Lang-Gould was the first to earn a singles win for the Bengals. After losing the first set she forced her opponent into a 3rd set battle and came out on top 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 at No. 3.
With the match tied at 2-2,
Sol O'Lideadha put the Bengals ahead after a 6-4, 6-3 decisive win at No. 5.
The Aggies put up a fight at No. 5 and came back in a 3 set battle to tie the match 3-3. It was down to Arkhipov at No. 6 to earn the 4th and final win for the Bengals. In another 3 setter, the senior clinched the match 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-3.
This match puts the Bengals 2-1 on the season. The Orange and Black return to action next week in Boise when they take on Boise State and UTEP.
